This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.

This Website Uses CookiesBy closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn MoreThis website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.

BOHEMIA, NY — VJ Technologies partnered with the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) to use a mobile x-ray inspection unit to test for technical fraud in bicycles at the 2018 Tour de France, after testing the prototype at the 2016 race.

The x-ray system is a sure way of detecting illegal components hidden in bikes, providing an image of what is actually on the inside of the bikes, clearly differentiating between legal wires or electronic gear shifters and illicit propulsion devices.

The x-ray inspection process was fully integrated after new UCI president, David Lappartient looked to VJ Technologies to help clean up cycling in 2017.

Lappartient was aware of the 2016 test and worked with VJ Technologies to expand the machine to a full mobile system. Under Lappartient, the UCI has increased punishments for technical fraud, with high fines and promises of a six months suspension for any cyclist found guilty.

At the Tour de France, the winner and seven additional cyclists had to have their bikes inspected, the total inspection time taking approximately 2-4 minutes. No hidden motors were discovered in any of the bikes so far, but the technology promises a new level of security for the sport of cycling.

The x-ray system was built in 10 weeks and VJ Technologies fully trained the UCI team on the inspection technology so that it can be used for all upcoming cycling races. The Vuelta a Espana (beginning August 25th) will be the next race that the technology is used for.

“The UCI had been using iPad based magnetic sensors and thermal cameras to check for hidden motors before and during each race, but all are prone to false alarms or being unable to operate in wet weather," said VJ Technologies General Manager of Inspection Services Steve Halliwell. "X-ray inspection provides an absolute and fool proof determination of hidden motors. The system is fully automatic and able to be operated by a single person, and takes only a few minutes, which is significantly less than the typical end of race drug tests which riders must take. So far no hidden motors have been discovered, a testament to the deterrence factor our new system provides.”
The response to the x-ray inspection has been overwhelmingly positive. The peloton has accepted the process as just another step they need to take for their racing careers and the mechanics have been extremely supportive of the process as well.

Events

This webinar will provide applications where machine learning has been most successful as well as implementation examples in robotics, machine vision, predictive maintenance, and plant floor data analytic.

The ASSEMBLY Show focuses exclusively on assembly technology equipment and products. Attendees have the opportunity to uncover new resources, experience equipment hands-on, evaluate the latest technologies and products, and connect face-to-face with industry experts.

Products

Check out the June 2020 edition of Quality: The 2020 State of the Profession Survey, computed tomography, form measurement, surface metrology, the first Ask the Expert column from Quality and much more!